Is it Fate?

[JAmerican]

Some days ago, after multiple configuration problems with my EB40 Battery Mod, I blatently decided to try and get a LD or TX. So I spoke to Sharky and JJF about their experiences with these devices. I relied mostly on Sharky due to he had a UX before but asked JJF of his experiences with the TX with such things as LJP. After considering both their advices of getting a TX, I went out on ebay and tried to do just that. The first auction was for a Used TX for $178. As the time came to 1 minute, I pressed Confirm Bid by accident too early. This caused me to bid at 53 sec. I tried to set up another bid while refreshing the item page and 13 sec into the bid, I bid a little more and lost due to the max bid was much higher. The price ended up being $212. I was not disappointed because I aimed to get a TX in the 100-range.

The second time around, I did the same thing again. But this time, I bid 1 minute and some seconds into the bid. Others bid at much higher prices and I lost the bid at $209. After this I decided to give up getting a TX and went on to try and get a cheap LD so I could really evaluate it for myself and bid on a $150 LD listed that was functioning. I was later outbid due to I never stayed on top of it.

In my experience of ebay, I never had such a hard time getting items like I did with these three devices. I got an EB40 for $177 before and won easily. No one was bidding. I bought something even more difficult. 2x1GB ECC RAM for $158 total.

I do understand its a new device and everyone wants one but I just couldn't get one (which really surprised). Then I saw I could get one for $219 and as I was about to push "Commit to Buy". I stopped and closed the forum. I realized within myself that I had been pushing myself with other's opinions. Then I took a moment to really and truly ask myself, did I like the TX. I thought no. I then thought of the LD and said yes, but don't have the money to risk it because I have used the LD and it lags.

So fate ended up keeping me with the UX. I like to think of it as fate anyway. Because last night, when I looked at my UX, I thought, I really and truly almost made a huge mistake.

JAmerican

[Joel]

Great post. Using PDAs is really a personal decision and for some of us, a commitment. Always go with what you feel is best. After all, it's not the reviewers who are using the PDA but you. :)

[Tam Hanna]

I would actually wait for the new models with the 700p memory architecture. 4 MEG of Dynaheap is not enough for me...

[JAmerican]

I considered it but I'm still on the doubtful side. I may in fact leave the PDA market in all once my UX goes. That's how disappointed I am with other PDAs. I buy a PDA so that I can use it for 1 to 2 years. Not until another comes out. I've basically had a UX for almost 2 years now. I've become tired with the annoyances but praised the positives that has come out of it. I want a laptop for college so, my next PDA may be a VAIO laptop. LOL. That's the only upgrade that seems suitable from a UX. I've seem some small ones and they amaze me. I really hope LG makes some sort of CLIE-style Palms.

JAmerican

[dragonsgames]

...I really hope LG makes some sort of CLIE-style Palms.

JAmerican
Ditto :D
And a great story :)

[hope]

Oh how history repeats itself. About a 1 1/2 years ago I got a powerbook and proceeded to sell my UX. I think JA will do the same especially if he gets a T-series Sony notebook. Something like the TH will probably suit your needs better as a pure organizer, mp3 player, and possibly video player since the laptop will do everything and be small enough where you won't mind carrying it around whether in a small book looking case or bookbag. JA, get the laptop, sell the TH, get a TH/E. ;)

[JAmerican]

Oh how history repeats itself. About a 1 1/2 years ago I got a powerbook and proceeded to sell my UX. I think JA will do the same especially if he gets a T-series Sony notebook. Something like the TH will probably suit your needs better as a pure organizer, mp3 player, and possibly video player since the laptop will do everything and be small enough where you won't mind carrying it around whether in a small book looking case or bookbag. JA, get the laptop, sell the TH, get a TH/E. ;)

I don't have a TH. Thanks for the advice. A TH/E would definately suit me if I got a laptop. But the 123Mhz processor is still an issue for me. I may just get a Windows Mobile device. It will be my portable media device/organizer. Most likely a Fuijusti or Dell.

JAmerican

[dragonsgames]

Or your enemy, the iPod. (6G version looks cool)

[JAmerican]

Yea, now if they make a touchscreen iPod with more features than picture/video/music, it may interest me. For now, its just too overpriced for what it does and its ease of scratchability.

[hope]

If I may ask, what about the processor do you find so limiting. Videos play smooth at almost 30fps, which not many devices can do at all. MP3 playback is uninterupted no matter what application is ran. The device never feels slow as I have owned (own) every HHE device made. I would guess the only area where it may lack is in game play. I'm not an expert as I rarely used my PDA's for gaming. Mostly because I didn't want to pay for the good games or take the time to install the emulators. If games are your only reason, surely a Game Boy of sorts or a PSP would better fill your needs over any PDA.

[JAmerican]

If I may ask, what about the processor do you find so limiting. Videos play smooth at almost 30fps, which not many devices can do at all. MP3 playback is uninterupted no matter what application is ran. The device never feels slow as I have owned (own) every HHE device made. I would guess the only area where it may lack is in game play. I'm not an expert as I rarely used my PDA's for gaming. Mostly because I didn't want to pay for the good games or take the time to install the emulators. If games are your only reason, surely a Game Boy of sorts or a PSP would better fill your needs over any PDA.

Your actually right. I never thought of it that way. My UX can crash and my audio would play straight until another song was sought. While loading apps and my device is studdering, my music still plays free of skipping. I just want to emulate games. Like SNES games. Want to do that on my PDA. Not on a PSP or Game Boy. Those don't suit my needs. I may just consider a Linux handheld. I'm a man of unlimited wants that lives in a society with limited resources.

JAmerican

[I Like My UX50!]

Hope, I was very interested when T series notebook cameabout. But one major reason why I went back to TR series was because of the built in camera w/ great video capabilities--I would use it to record meetings, while I dozed off. It was invaluable ;). Seriously though, basically, I only used it for watching movies/MVs & emulators--esp GBA.

Right now, I have Istation I2 PMP for multimedia needs.
I was considering Zodiac, because they are fairly cheap now. And it is a great for gaming emu machine. I should have waited and got the Istation V43--it's all that plus it can play emus. And it's Linux based. But it's expensive though. I am basically happy w/ my current state though. As long as I do something with m:Robe-500i. Because it overlaps my PMP, & is not needed.

I think others may have pointed this beforehand, but Game Park systems might fit your needs JAmerican. They can be had for $200 or so (or maybe less), uses Linux, & it's the best handheld for emu, home brew games, & apps. And it can work like a decent PMP. It's not a PDA, but then UX does the job :).

[m0nkeyb0y]

Maybe you should consider something like this (http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=116287) JAmerican?

[hope]

The Zodiac would definently fit the bill. In my area, a CompUSA was selling them for $150-$200 for the 32mb and 128mb one. This was in the middle of December. I'm sure you could get one. It has bluetooth, dedicated graphics card, overclock ability, and is the absolute perfect Palm for playing games and running emulators. Oh, and dual SD card slots to boot.

[JAmerican]

The Zodiac would definently fit the bill. In my area, a CompUSA was selling them for $150-$200 for the 32mb and 128mb one. This was in the middle of December. I'm sure you could get one. It has bluetooth, dedicated graphics card, overclock ability, and is the absolute perfect Palm for playing games and running emulators. Oh, and dual SD card slots to boot.

Does LJP work on it? I was thinking of the Zodiac 2 but thought of WiFi. The lack of WiFi disappoints me. Overall, it seems like the only alternative.

JAmerican

[hope]

What's LJP? Didn't you say WiFi isn't important? I thought you just needed bluetooth. :confused: Plus, with a laptop I don't think you will be using your PDA like you use to with the availability of a full keyboard and every program at will. Your laptop should also have WiFi, so the combo should work out well.

[I Like My UX50!]

LJP is a emu that let's you play NES games. If I remember correctly, strangely, it works better (I say loosely) on older systems (Dragonball based).

Zodiac with Wifi SD is defintely doable, because as mentioned, it has 2 slots. 1 for wireless, 1 for memory.

[JAmerican]

I'm gonna stick with my UX. I'm still looking but just don't have money to spend on a new unit. Yes, I know I said I wanted a unit and that WiFi wasn't a necessity, but if I do get a new unit, I want it to have WiFi (for home networking sake and less accessories). My UX seems to be doing well after my last configuration. The current for some reason kept charging my internal first and giving little current to my EB batteries. Which caused my unit to go to 30% in just 6 hours when my UX would last longer. Now my UX has lasted until 9PM (~14 hours) and was at (39~41%), with BT on and my device being at 40% (while watching my whole music video directory) and 1% with BT (due to it was night time).

I'll let you know.

Another reason for me wanting another handheld is the fact that my bro has a PSP and I can't compete with all the homebrew stuff that people make for it. Like the launchers, the emulation, etc. It basically is his handheld. I am able to do BT and other things but sometimes I want to be able to surpass his PSP. Basically, its a sibling rivialry through electronics.

http://jamerican.net/1src/Gadgets/EB50.jpg
-btw you can see why I don't have enough money. Lost 2 of my MS and my podwave while at internship.

JAmerican

[hope]

So you do know the potential of the PSP and that it will probably meet all the needs and wants your saying. You just want the same capabilities in not a PSP. When you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Just plan on a PSP and set your goals to get the Viao T series. you'll probably have to sell your UX though. :)

[hope]

Where did you (or your brother) get that carbon fiber face plate/cover for the PSP? it looks awesome.

[JAmerican]

Where did you (or your brother) get that carbon fiber face plate/cover for the PSP? it looks awesome.

He took it off now. Trust me, the original is always better. As for where, not sure. Have to ask.

JAmerican